19 Supporting roles from drama TV shows that caught everyone’s attention

While leading characters and protagonists are bound to capture everyone’s attention with their roles, sometimes, supporting characters wow everyone with their surprisingly enigmatic portrayal. A spellbinding supporting character makes the show more interesting and adds a new dimension to the series. Here are 19 such supporting roles that stole the show.

1. Saul, Breaking Bad

Starring Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul, this immensely popular crime drama created by Vance Gilligan revolves around a meek chemistry teacher who turns into a drug lord after learning about his cancer diagnosis. The show’s direction, plot, and performances are universally acclaimed, but Jimmy McGill’s charming lawyer Saul, grabbed everyone’s attention with his humor. The supporting character now has its own series, Better Call Saul.

2. Steve Harrington, Stranger Things

This sci-fi horror show gained immense popularity after it paid homage to the 1980s. Created by the Duffer Brothers, the show revolves around the fictional town of Hawkins and its residents, who face an otherworldly creature. The show’s supporting character, Steve, played by Joe Kerry, won hearts when the character redeemed himself from a self-centered high-school boy to an endearing character who protects children.

3. Richard Harrow, Boardwalk Empire

Starring Steve Buscemi, this period crime drama created by Terence Winter is based on a non-fiction book by Nelson Johnson revolving around the life of criminal kingpin Enoch L. Johnson. The show has gained acclaim for its authentic Prohibition Era portrayal. The character of Richard, played by Jack Houston, wowed the viewers with virtues of empathy, nobility, and moral values.

4. Lenny Busker, Legion

Created by Noah Hawley, this superhero series features Dan Stevens and revolves around David Haller, a mutant who must face evil forces trying to control his powers. While Stevens is in the lead role, Aubrey Plaza lights up the screen with her portrayal of Lenny by bringing a fierce energy and acting range to her character and proving that even supporting characters can leave a mark of their own.

5. Owen Sharma, The Haunting of Bly Manor

Starring Victoria Pedretti, Carla Gugino, and others, this horror drama and gothic series was created by Mike Flanagan and is mostly based on a novella by Henry James. The show employs a nonlinear narrative and revolves around a haunted manor where a young lady is employed to look after two children. The show was well received, and the character of Owen received special mention as Rahul Kohli delivered a sincere and emotionally deep performance.

6. Kang Sae-byeok, Squid Game

This South Korean survival thriller series became a worldwide sensation due to its intriguing plot. Directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk, the show revolves around people who are in financial hardship and must compete in a dangerous contest to win the prize money. In the popular show, the character of Kang, played by HoYeon Jung, received the most attention for portraying a strong yet vulnerable North Korean defector.

7. Judy Gemstone, The Righteous Gemstones

Created by Danny McBride and starring Adam DeVine and others, this comedy-drama revolves around a famous yet corrupt family of televangelists who have secrets and stop at nothing to gain fame and money. The show has many intriguing characters, but the character of Judy, played by Edi Patterson, grabbed the attention for its compelling portrayal of a ruthless and ambition-driven daughter of the family.

8. Tom Wambsgans, Succession

Starring Brian Cox, this black comedy-drama created by Jesse Armstrong revolves around the inner power struggles and dysfunctional family dynamics of the influential Roy family as they compete for power. The show was a smash hit and was appreciated for its writing and performances. But the breakout supporting character was Tom, played by Matthew Macfayden, who enriched the role with his vulnerability and growth.

9. Taylor Mason, Billions

This drama series, starring Paul Giamatti, Damian Lewis, and others, revolves around a hedge fund manager who gains wealth and power in high finance using shady tactics. While the show’s leads are Lewis and Giamatti, the supporting character of Taylor, played by Asia Kate Dillon, grabbed the viewers’ attention with his confident and lethal performance.

10. Meemaw, Young Sheldon

A spin-off of The Big Bang Theory, this comedy-drama revolves around growing up of Sheldon as he navigates his conservative family in Texas and showcases his brilliance in science. While all the characters in the show are charming, the character of Meemaw, played by Annie Potts, is memorable as she plays the spunky and hilarious grandmother of Sheldon.

11. Kareem Said, Oz

Created by Tom Fontana and starring Ernie Hudson, Terry Kinney, and others, this prison drama revolves around the lives of the inmates at the Oswald State Correctional Facility. The gripping show has memorable performances, but the one character that snatched the limelight was Kareem, played by Eamonn Walker, who was the voice of reason and wisdom in a chaotic and morally gray show.

12. Proinsias Cassidy, Preacher

Starring Dominic Cooper, Ruth Negga, and others, this supernatural series, based on a comic book series by Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon and co-developed by Seth Rogen, revolves around a preacher who sets out to find God alongside his ex-girlfriend and a vampire. The quirky show has memorable performances, but the character of Proinsias, played by Joseph Gilgun, steals the show as he showcases humanity even though he is a vampire.

13. Whiterose, Mr. Robot

Created by Sam Esmail and starring Rami Malek, Christian Slater, and others, this drama thriller revolves around a hacker employed by an anarchist who wants to destroy all the records of a corrupt conglomerate. The show stars Malek and Slater, who deliver compelling performances. A supporting character, Whiterose, played by BD Wong, wows the audience and displays a ruthless and cold-hearted performance as a revenge-driven villain.

14. Ruth Langmore, Ozark

Starring Laura Linney and Jason Bateman, this acclaimed crime drama revolves around a married couple and their children who move to the small town of Ozark after they get into trouble with the mafia underworld. The show has gained praise for its direction, writing, and performances. One of the most captivating characters is Ruth, played by Julia Garner, who kept the viewers glued with her unpredictable antics and driven portrayal.

15. Olenna Tyrell, Game of Thrones

This massively hit fantasy series gained acclaim for its stunning visuals, political intrigue, and expansive worlds. Based on the books of George R.R. Martin, the show mainly deals with various noble families who want to claim the Iron Throne. While the show has a large cast and multiple potlines, the character of Olenna, played by Diana Rigg, is enigmatic as she is extremely cunning and witty and holds enormous power.

16. Omar Little, The Wire

Created by David Simon and starring Dominic West, Idris Elba, and others, this crime drama series became a cult hit and revolved around Baltimore City as it explores various bureaucratic, media, and educational institutes of the city. The show is renowned for its writing, direction, and plot. The character of Omar, played by Michael Kenneth Williams, steals the spotlight as he plays by his own rules and is charmingly confident about his abilities.

17. Adam Sackler, Girls

Created by Lena Dunham, this comedy-drama centers around the life of four young women in New York City who deal with topics like feminism, sexuality, and body politics. The quirky show has many impressive performances and moments. The character of Adam, played by Adam Driver, stands out as he embodies the role and portrays different shades of emotions like funny, intense, energetic, and more.

18. Glenn Rhee, The Walking Dead

Based on a comic book series by Robert Kirkman, this post-apocalyptic horror drama developed by Frank Darabont and revolves around a group of survivors amidst a zombie apocalypse. The gritty show has a large ensemble of characters. There are a few memorable performances like that of Glenn, played by Steven Yeun, who infuses the role with optimism, emotional depth, and charm.

19. Opie Winston, Sons of Anarchy

Starring Charlie Hunnam, Katey Sagal, and others, this action crime drama created by Kurt Sutter revolves around a group of bikers in an outlaw motorcycle club in California. The show was popular and had many gritty moments. The character of Opie, played by Ryan Hurst, is memorable because he starts as a humble character and meets a devastating end.